Tucked between the Selkirk and Purcell Mountain ranges, Kootenay Lake in British Columbia is ideal for relaxing and nature-focused family spring break. From natural hot springs to laid-back and historic lakeside towns to rocky beaches, waterfall hikes and world-class downhill skiing, you’ll have no trouble finding activities the whole family will enjoy.
We spent five days at the Queens Bay Hideaway, a cozy lakefront cottage in Queens Bay, just north of Balfour, BC and used it as our base for exploring the area. Though the weather was cloudy, damp and cool, with no shortage of rainy periods, we found the perfect blend of outdoor activities and relaxing downtime for a memorable family trip.
Kootenay Lake and the communities along its shores are in the traditional and unceded territories of the Ktunaxa, Sinixt and Syilx people. It is also home to many other Indigenous people, including Métis. We are grateful to spend time here and learn more about their cultural and historical connection to this beautiful and unique land and water.
Here is our five-day itinerary for a family-friendly spring break on Kootenay Lake, BC.
Spring Break on Kootenay Lake: 5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary
Day 1: Nelson and Kokanee Creek Provincial Park
Morning – Cafes and shops in Nelson
It was a rainy morning, so we headed to Nelson to check out the shops and cafes on historic Baker Street. This charming street is lined with beautifully restored heritage buildings, with some dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Walking along Baker Street is like stepping back in time, but with modern boutique shops, cozy cafes and great restaurants.
We had a hot drink and freshly baked muffins at Oso Negro, Nelson’s favourite meeting spot for coffee and conversation. If you’re looking for a kid-approved spot for lunch, you can try the MainStreet Diner, El Taco or Thor’s Pizza.
If it’s a rainy day and you want an indoor activity, visit the Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery. The museum features exhibits about the area’s history and content from renowned artists across the country.
Afternoon – Explore Kokanee Creek Provincial Park
Kokanee Creek Provincial Park is an awesome park to explore in any season. In March, the gates to the main day-use area are closed, but you are welcome to park at the Gatehouse entrance and walk in. There is an open parking lot. The day-use parking lot at the day-use area near the Osprey Campground is open to vehicles year-round.
Spawning channel
Kokanee Creek features a maintained spawning channel, offering a viewing area where you can watch the salmon spawn in the fall. In the early spring, the boardwalks and trails around the spawning area are still a beautiful place to explore.
Shoulder season hiking loop:
We parked at the Gatehouse, walked to the Kokanee Creek Nature Centre (closed this time of year) and got on the spawning channel trail. From there, we turned onto the Grassland Trail and followed it until it led to Sandspit Beach. Then, we walked up Sandspit Beach towards the Main Beach and along this beach to the boat launch before getting back on the road and looping to our parking spot.
With kids, the walk will take under an hour—but make sure you put aside time for exploring the beach and skipping rocks on the water! You’ll find a good playground at the Friends Campground and Day-Use Area, which makes a fun stop along the way. You can see it from the beach.
Canyon Lookout Trail
The Canyon Lookout hike was a pleasant surprise! Heading north on the Spawning Channel trail, this path takes you towards and under the highway to the other side of the park. From there, you follow the rushing Kokanee Creek, traversing around moss-covered boulders under the canopy of this magnificent forest. You can either take the same trail back or veer left on the Pine Trail to make it a loop.
You gently ascend as the creek sinks deeper into a green canyon before taking steep wooden steps toward the lookout. From there, you’ll find an observation deck overlooking the cascades into the canyon. The canyon walls are nearly entirely covered in moss, giving the scene a fairy-tale forest vibe.
- Length: Approximately 1.5-2 km, depending on the route.
- Elevation gain: 85 m
- Time: 45-60 minutes round trip
Day 2: Hot Springs, Waterfalls and Historic Kaslo
Morning – Ainsworth Hot Springs
Out of all the commercial hot springs in BC and Alberta, the Ainsworth Hot Springs is our favourite. The hot springs have been a space for healing for the Ktunaxa people since time immemorial and are currently operated by the Lower Kootenay Band. The spirit waters (nupika wu’u) are therapeutic and offer relaxation and fun while fully immersed in nature. Your spring break on Kootenay Lake would not be complete without a trip to this hot spring.
What sets Ainsworth apart is its natural horseshoe-shaped cave! Mineral-rich, hot water runs through a dimly lit tunnel carved into the side of the mountain. The further back you go, the hotter the water. Kids love exploring the back of the cave and coming out the other side. Just be mindful of bathers deep in the cave, as they can surprise you!
The main pool is warm but not as hot as the caves and is safe for young children. Adults can still relax in the steaming water and enjoy mountain views while kids can play.
There is also a cold pool with a trickling waterfall for those brave enough to take a cold plunge! Alternating hot and cold plunges have several health benefits, including improved circulation and reduced inflammation. Studies also show that it can help with muscle stiffness and reduce stress.
Plan your visit to Ainsworth Hot Springs.
- Hours: Spring hours are Wednesday-Sunday, 10 am – 7:30 pm (last entry 6 pm) and Monday from 10 am – 2 pm. Please check the pool’s website for updated hours.
- Cost:
- Families (2 adults & 2 kids): $50.00
- Fry (3-12): $12.00
- Smolt (13-17): $15.00
- Adult (18-64): $17.00
- Spawner (65+): $17.00
- Towel: Towel rentals are $5, plus a $5 deposit
- Lockers: Lockers are free of charge
- Change Rooms: There are male and female changerooms, and a family change room/special needs change room is available.
- Shopping: There is a small shop on site that sells swimsuits and souvenirs
- Dining: The Ktunaza Grill is located on the fourth floor of the resort building, offering sweeping views of Kootenay Lake and the mountains beyond. It has a kid’s menu, and reservations are required for seating after 5 pm. Call 250-
Afternoon – Visit Kaslo and hike the Kaslo River Trail
From Ainsworth Hot Springs, the historic town of Kaslo is a short 20-minute drive north on Highway 31. It’s the perfect place to pass the afternoon, with unique shops and cafes lined along its character-filled Front Street.
SIDETRIP: FLETCHER FALLS
On your way to Kaslo, stop off at Fletcher Falls Recreation Site. A short hike down a wide, maintained trail will take you to the base of the falls, with epic views of the grand cascades all the way there. At the bottom, you’ll find a viewing deck surrounded by towering rock walls and before the falls. I’d take your family photo here! You can also walk down to the rocky beach and see where the creek runs into Kootenay Lake. This is the perfect place for a picnic if you have good weather.
Exploring Historical Kaslo, BC
Even in the shoulder season and on a grey day, Kaslo remains a gem on Kootenay Lake. Even in the off-season, you can pop into some unique shops along Front Street, including the Eurythmy Studio and Bookstore, Kaslo Adventure Centre and local Eric’s Meat Market butcher.
While options are limited in the off-season, the Bluebell Bistro is open and serves warm drinks, unique brunch and lunch entrees, and baked goodies. Next door, you’ll find the Angry Hen Brewery, which offers locally brewed craft beer on tap, a Mexican-inspired menu and cheesy quesadillas for the kids. We popped in for some food and drinks and to play a game of cards.
We spent some time walking around the town, taking in a few key historical landmarks, including:
SS Moyie National Historic Site
The SS Moyie is the oldest intact passenger sternwheeler in the world. It ran up and down Kootenay Lake for almost 60 years and is now restored, docked, and preserved for visitors in Kaslo. You can view the sternwheeler and read interpretive signage from the sidewalk. It is open to the public between May and September long weekends. Plan your visit to the SS Moyie National Historic Site.
Kaslo City Hall National Historic Site
Originally built in 1898, Kaslo City Hall has been extensively restored in recent years. The ground floor houses a public library, and the rest of the building is municipal offices. Explore the hall’s small grounds and learn about the history of the building and town. Learn more about the Kaslo City Hall National Historic Site.
Hike the Kaslo River Trail
The Kaslo River Trail is accessible from downtown on foot, with the trailhead at the end of 5th Street. This bridge-to-bridge loop is about 3.6 km and follows the beautiful Kaslo River. Kids will love the red-covered bridges and whimsical sculptures found along the way, lovingly named ‘The Koots.’ The north side of the loop offers an accessible, bike-and-stroller-friendly trail and leads to the Kaslo Family Mountain Bike Park.
We’ve written a comprehensive guide on this hike: Kaslo River Trail: A family-friendly fairy tale.
Day 3 – Whitewater Ski Resort
All Day – Skiing and snowboarding at Whitewater Ski Resort
Located in the middle of BC’s Powder Highway and just 25 minutes from Nelson, this world-class ski resort offers some of the best snow in the Rockies and lots of it! Even in late March, snow packed and towered high on rooftops, and there was over 700 cm of snowfall in the 2024/25 season. There is no need for snowmakers on this mountain!
When we visited, we encountered rainy, foggy weather. Though visibility was limited, we still managed to do laps for most of the day. Despite the weather, we enjoyed ourselves and the laid-back, small-town vibes of this resort. There were no line-ups, and finding a spot for a break and a treat in the lodge was no problem. I can’t wait to return mid-season and experience a bluebird powder day!
Planning your visit to Whitewater Ski Resort
- Lift tickets: Get your lift tickets online at least two days before your visit and save!
- Rentals: Ski and snowboard rentals are available, including high-performance and backcountry rentals.
- Lessons: Whitewater has a fantastic snow school, with ski and snowboard lessons available for all ages and abilities.
- Food: There are several dining options available on-site, including the Fresh Tracks Café, Coal Oil Johny’s Pub, Fresh Tracks Café Express (downstairs) and Freshies Coffee Bar. We order humungous baked goods, perhaps the most enormous scone and rice krispie squares I’ve ever seen.
- Accommodation: If you want to stay on the mountain, book the suite at the Hummingbird Lodge. They also have 10 non-powered RV sites available via reservation or first-come, first-served. View the accommodations at Whitewater Ski Resort.
Plan your ski and snowboarding trip at https://skiwhitewater.com.
Day 4 – Crawford Bay and Beach Exploration
Morning – Scenic Kootenay Ferry ride and art studios at Crawford Bay
The ferry between Balfour and Kootenay Bay (Crawford Bay) is the longest free ferry in the world. The ride takes about 35 minutes each way and is a fun way to see the area’s natural beauty, including the majestic Purcell and Selkirk mountain ranges, from the water. Who doesn’t like a free lake cruise? There is also a little coffee and snack shop on board that operates during the day. Please check the Kootenay Ferry schedule, as it offers reduced service in the winter and shoulder seasons.
Note: At the time of writing, there was a labour dispute causing disruptions and delays to the ferry services. Please check DriveBC.ca to plan your trip.
On the other side of the lake from Balfour is the quaint and creative community of Crawford Bay. Home to an eclectic group of artisans, this community offers tucked-away art studios featuring local pottery, jewellery, wood carvings, stained glass, hand-woven art and more. Most of these studios are within walking distance from each other, but be sure to check the Artisans of Crawford Bay website for studio hours and contact information.
While on the east shore, drive up to Pilot Bay Provincial Park for a hike or picnic. You can also visit the historic Pilot Bay lighthouse. A short hike up to the lighthouse offers scenic views of the lake and the chance to explore a 120-year-old wood-framed lighthouse.
Afternoon – Relax and explore nearby parks and beaches
Back on the west shore, spend the afternoon immersed in nature and relax at the beach. During our visit, we were fortunate to have lakefront accommodation and our own private beach. We spend the afternoon combing the beach before relaxing around a campfire.
Regardless of your accommodation, there are many places where you can do the same during your spring break on Kootenay Lake. Here are public parks with beach access and picnic spots nearby:
- Rotary Lakeside Park: Located in Nelson, this lakeside park offers a beach, gardens, playground, promenade and playing fields.
- Kokanee Creek Provincial Park: With over a kilometre of sandy beach, picnic spots, fire pits and a playground, this park is a fantastic spot for an afternoon on the beach.
- Balfour Beach Regional Park: This undeveloped beach offers a pristine waterfront for walking, beach combing and should-season picnics.
- Fletcher Falls Day-Use Area: A short hike from the highway takes you to breathtaking Fletcher Falls and the day-use area on the beach with picnic tables and fire pits.
- Kaslo Bay Park: Located in Kaslo, this park is in a protected bay with a sandy beach, grassy area and picnic tables.
Day 5 – Sandon Historic Site and New Denver
Morning – Scenic drive to Sandon Ghost Town
Start your day with a scenic drive up the west shore of Kootenay Lake towards Kaslo. Then, head east on Highway 31A towards New Denver. About 13 kilometres before New Denver is the turn-off for Sandon Historic Site. AKA: Sandon Ghost Town.
History of Silver City
Sandon is what remains of a booming silver mining town, home to about 5,000 people during the peak of the silver rush (1895-1899). It was served by two railways, was the first town in British Columbia to have a hydroelectric plant and was incorporated as a full-blown city in 1898. It boasted several hotels, shops, commercial buildings, recreational facilities, theatres, banks, saloons, a power plant, breweries, and a red-light district.
Known as the “Silver City,” Sandon’s boom swiftly declined after a devastating fire in 1900. The rebuild was less grand, and the mining prosperity dried up. By 1920, it dissolved its city status, and a series of natural and economic disasters brought it down to what it is today: a small but interesting historic site and a remaining community of about 20 residents.
Sandon Today
A few historic buildings are standing and restored in Sandon, including original residences, the Silversmith Powerhouse and Sandon City Hall, which was rebuilt in 1900. Park the car and take a walk around the ghost town. Unfortunately, the museum and buildings were not open in March, but it was still interesting to explore. It is certainly a unique find during our family spring break on Kootenay Lake.
There are interpretive signs that explain some of the history and interesting facts. The site is also the final resting place for about 20 heritage Brill trolley buses shipped from Vancouver. You’ll also see a beautiful “iron horse” steam locomotive that was built in 1908.
Things to see in Sandon during the summer:
- Sandon Museum: Step back in time and discover the Silver City through photos and restored artifacts before its decline.
- Silversmith Power & Light Generating Station: Take a tour of the oldest hydroelectric operation, which still provides 100% green energy for Sandon residents.
- Sandon City Hall: This historic building houses a small café and gift shop called the Prospector’s Pick.
Afternoon – Explore New Denver and Slocan Lake
Pressing on from Sandon, head to the lovely town of New Denver, located on Slocan Lake’s rugged shores. The town of about 500 people is quiet in the early spring but is a quiet place for a walk or browse through the few shops that are open in the off-season.
While in New Denver, you can take a leisurely walk along the shores of Slocan Lake and check out the Kohan Reflection Garden. This unique public Japanese-style garden honours the Japanese Canadians who were relocated to internment camps in the BC interior between 1942 and 1945.
You can also explore further and take a five-minute drive to the nearby community of Silverton. We enjoyed a hot drink and treat at the Silverton Camp Café. Located in a 120+-year-old building, this cute café serves fantastic coffee, homemade snacks and light lunch options.
To start planning your family’s spring break on Kootenay Lake, visit Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism.
More family trip ideas:
Wind and Waterfalls: Winter in Waterton Lakes National Park
Epic adventures winter camping in Dinosaur Provincial Park
The complete guide to storm watching in Ucluelet and Tofino
5 Reasons to visit Prince Albert National Park
